uws widevision 2014

WIDEVISION+SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION EXHIBITION2014

Industrial and Engineering Design fused with the STEM disciplines is the key to creativity, innovation and start-up entrepreneurship. Combined with knowledge automation, these are keys to the progress, prosperity and success within a world, driven by the knowledge economy. The solutions and outcomes, coming as a result of this deep fusion have a profound impact on the quality of life of our society and on the environment we live in.

During the three years since its inception, the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics (SCEM) at UWS has extensively supported and stimulated the interaction and fusion of Industrial Design, Engineering, Construction Management, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) disciplines. An example of such interaction has been the Solar Car project, which successfully participated in the World Solar Challenge 2013. The project is run in a start-up mode and a new car design and supporting engineering and ICT solutions are being implemented in preparation for World Solar Challenge 2015. The School has been a strong advocate for the project, providing diverse support through the different stages of the project. The project set the standard for similar projects, which require expertise from all the areas and commitment from students, academics and professionals. The Werrington Observatory Enterprise, The Solar House, The Robo Cup challenge and Imagine Cup are some of the examples where the “ID-STEM” fusion and the above mentioned broad commitment, lead to fruitful outcomes.

In 2014 the School continued to improve its design studios and maker spaces, supporting blended learning, creative ideas exploration and research in industrial design, electrical, electronics, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, design computing and visualisation, and technology prototypical implementation. SCEM plans to extend further the quality of its facilities to support

WELCOME

start-up creativity and entrepreneurship in technology design and development. The School has extended its capacity for rapid prototyping in a broad sense, which brings us one step closer to the implementation of the School plan for experimenting with ideas and embedding broad creativity and entrepreneurship in all of its academic programs. These initiatives are in synergy with the UWS Academy, research programs, MARCS Institute and the Institute for Infrastructure Engineering.

In 2014 the School continued to lead its students in the development of their synergetic computational, engineering, design, managerial and entrepreneurial thinking. Evidence of their abilities in tackling problems and developing systems with capabilities limited only by students’ creativity, imagination and desire for innovation is demonstrated through the numerous awards received by students in Industrial Design and Engineering. The exhibition this year continues the newly established tradition to include representative works from all areas of the School. We hope that it is an enjoyable exhibition, which demonstrates the progress of student research, rapid development and additive manufacturing of prototypes.

Professor Simeon SimoffDean, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics

CONTENTSAlpay Bahceci 6(Industrial Design)

Damien Giblin 8(Industrial Design)

Domenic Gerace 10(Construction Management)

Duncan Rutishauser 12(Industrial Design)

Eric Franz Lieb 14(Industrial Design)

Igor Da Silva 16(Industrial Design)

James Litster 18(Industrial Design)

Joshua Tubb 20(Industrial Design)

Julian Arnold 22(Industrial Design)

Lucas Hicks 24(Industrial Design)

Patrick McDermott, Michael Robertson 26(Engineering – Electrical)

Michael Rudd 28(Industrial Design)

Kai Connell, Nikolas Patkovic, Moneer Howari 30 (Information and Communications Technology)

Nikhil Singh, Daniel Cavanagh, Allwell Dagogo, Antonio Glavocevic 32 Information and Communications Technology Computer Science

Peter Gonidellis 34(Industrial Design)

Prathik Paramesh 34(Industrial Design)

Cormack Innovations Awards 38

UWS Solar Car 40

MARCS Institute 42

5

Industrial DesignHonours

CONSTRUCTION DIGISIGNAlpay BahceciCommunicating a construction site’s progress to passers-by is important, as it allows people to be aware of the buildings and infrastructures developing in their community. Promoting the flow of information from site to street is a significant factor in influencing the public. Information regarding the construction project is generally limited as the surrounding environment is mostly subject to the safety regulations regarding the construction site.

Construction DigiSign is a construction site signage system that allows more information regarding the construction project to be distributed to passers-by. The implementation of digital signage on construction sites will allow the display of updates regarding the project, including timeframes, percentage updates, stage completions, images of the developing site and advertisement opportunities for the construction company.

Construction DigiSign will help the external community by keeping them informed of what is occurring on-site, rather than leaving them to assume what is happening. Passers-by being more informed about activities on a site will lead to less complaints, misunderstandings and frustration.

Signage displayed on the two monitors can be updated regularly via USB technology by the site manager. Construction DigiSign follows Australian regulatory guidelines and distributes site safety signage at all times on the two panel boards located on either side of the monitors.


AUTHENTICELLDamien GiblinDisease and dying affect everyone on earth. The researchers and scientists who stare down microscopes in an effort to uncover the details and secrets of our biological world, to search for and ultimately discover vaccines, therapeutic protein products, antibodies and other biomedical products that save and improve our lives, often go unnoticed in the public eye. AuthentiCell is a digital based cell imager that uses existing technologies combined with new software and a user-focused design, which allows users to identify and document viable cells for use.

Through the use of a CCD (charged couple device) and the fundamental techniques behind fluorescence microscopy, the AuthentiCell targets cell growth, validation and monitoring over a period of time to quantify cell quality and ensure cells are free from contamination and thus suitable for use in medical applications.

Designed for human-computer interaction which promotes good ergonomic practice in the laboratory, it can be used when sitting or standing and seamlessly integrates into current systems. It improves efficiency and effectiveness by automatically collecting and managing data so that researchers don’t have to spend critical time analysing, and can instead spend it researching, thus decreasing the labour costs associated with expensive imaging equipment.

Cross section of internal components required for the AuthentiCell.

9

Construction ManagementHonours

RASFC (RECYCLED AGGREGATE + STEEL FIBRE CONCRETE)Domenic GeraceMore than 26.8 billion tons of normal concrete per year are being used globally and this has created an overwhelming amount of construction and demolition waste. The need for sustainable methods in construction is crucial to ensure that natural materials are not depleted for future prospects. It is believed that recycled concrete incorporating steel fibres will offer a structurally sound material that is not only more cost-effective, but also provides a sustainable solution to the Australian construction industry. This research aim was to analyse the cost effectiveness of mixing recycled aggregate (RA) and steel fibre (SF) as an alternative concrete mix design for structural material.

First, experiments were conducted to test different mixtures to determine the optimum mixture that confirms structural suitability. Next, a direct cost comparison was undertaken to compare the optimum mixture (RA+SF) against normal concrete. Although a slight cost increase was observed when direct costs were compared, a detailed cost-benefit analysis (CBA) into the recycling process confirmed the substantial savings gained by replacing RA with natural aggregate (NA). The CBA was based on interviews undertaken with general managers in six recycling plants in Sydney. The results show that the RA & SF combination is not only structurally suitable, but also cost effective with significant sustainable benefits.

Image 1 is the performance of beam one (RA 0% / SF 0%) out of the nine beams that were tested. This shows the control mixture and the extensive cracking that is visible.

Image 2 shows the recycled aggregate production process that was analysed for the cost benefit analysis. This is a typical reflection on how a recycling facility sets up to produce recycled aggregate material.

11


PLAY & LEARN GAME PAD Duncan Rutishauser The ‘game pad’ is a tactile interactive toy that aims to promote education and development through the act of play. User centred interface and wireless connectivity create a physically active and socially inclusive learning environment.

The project is based upon ‘learning by interactive play’. This is the development of design intervention for better education while integrating enjoyment and recreation. Advances in technology have created opportunities in the market for the development of interfaces that integrate core learning components with human–computer interaction. We commonly see toys that simply foster distraction without incorporating these components of experienced based learning:

+ social interaction + physical participation + parent involvement

From this there is an opportunity to produce an interface that can harbour these qualities of experience, with an interaction that is suitable for young developing children to promote exploration and imagination.

Research performed through established literature, parent and childcare users, has allowed the identification of the key points necessary for a successful product. An interface that encourages physical play to learn while addressing young children’s needs is produced with software adaptability and wireless communication.

The interface utilises wireless technology to create a learning environment with a stronger social and physical aspect that is not commonly seen in digital toys today.

The digital componentry used is relatively cheap and easy to expand upon, allowing open software development. A prototyping RedBoard is utilised to run the Arduino platform and code.

The portability and wireless capability of the device make it easy to set up an open learning environment for multiple children.

13


HYDROCAREEric Franz Lieb The HydroCare is a shower column designed for the growing aged population and those with restricted mobility. It includes multi-functional aspects aimed at reducing the risk of falling within the bathroom as well as additional safety measures to improve independence, increase stability and avoid discomfiture without it being identified as having ‘assistive devices’ involved. It achieves this by using design elements from current shower trends and subtly implementing the assistive elements needed for the user to shower efficiently.

The HydroCare enables users to choose between seated and standing showering positions, and provides both hand-held and upper shower heads. The HydroCare retractable seat allows the product to be used by people living alone or with others. The seat has a holster for the hand held shower head, limiting the need to stand, and also includes a grab handle to provide an extra sense of security when showering. While standing, the user has access to both vertical and horizontal grab bars, to allow safe and easy maneuverability within the shower recess. A large storage shelf is also integrated within the column which can be accessed while standing, along with a smaller storage space on the seat for temporary use. The product can be adjusted to any height during installation and can be securely attached to the wall of a shower through multiple mounting brackets.

An exploded view displaying the main components.

15


SMART COTIgor Da Silva The Smart Cot revolutionises the concept of a safe sleeping environment for infants. With the goal of combating asphyxiation as the predominant driving force, the Smart Cot has taken a ground-up approach to redesigning the common cot into a smart, intuitive piece of furniture with the capacity to provide parents with an invaluable peace of mind while their infant rests.

The Smart Cot has an inbuilt monitoring system that records movement, video and audio and wirelessly streams the data directly to a smart phone application. The Smart Cot achieves this without the need for numerous cables or separate attachments that could become a potential hazard for infants. The only cable necessary is the power adapter which is well beyond an infant’s reach. The Smart Cot also utilises materials in an innovative way to create a safer sleeping environment that reduces the risk of injury without raising the risk of suffocation.

The Smart Cot is predominantly made out of linear low density polyethylene which provides a rigid structure that is easy to clean, resistant to most liquids and formaldehyde free. The rails are made of a low density polyethylene which provides the same benefits but with the added ability to absorb impacts from any tumble while still being rigid enough to prevent suffocation. In order to provide safe, inbuilt monitoring to a larger market segment, a timber version of the cot that still contains all the monitoring features has also been developed to be available along with the polyethylene cot.


FIRE SHIELDJames Litster Currently available fire-fighting products provide a simple yet expensive solution to at-home fire-fighting in rural and semi-rural areas, with units being large and petrol powered. Research has shown that residents are reluctant to purchase these units due to the price and occasional use.

With a refined and dedicated focus on intelligent technologies and user centred design, the Fire Shield provides stakeholders with an innovative and inexpensive solution for domestic fire-fighting. The product is comprised of a mountable pumping system which utilises common rural and semi-rural infrastructure to provide an effective and adaptable tool for fighting spot fires and grass fires, in both stationary and mobile situations. A further product innovation comes from the Bluetooth communicator which allows the user to communicate with their fellow fire-fighters within an 800 metre radius.

Image 1: The inner workings of the Fire Shield, showing the 17lpm 12v water pump which provides the unit with the ability to create water pressure comparable to a garden hose.

Images 2 and 3: The Fire Shield mounted on readily available infrastructure on semi rural and rural properties (1000L water cube)

19


EDUCULTUREJoshua TubbCommunication technologies can improve information dissemination in agricultural communities of the developing world, where there is a significant lack of access to reliable information, limited infrastructure, and the time constraints of farmers mean that agro-information dissemination is deficient. To improve the problem distance education administered during the work cycle is a likely avenue of success.

The goal of this project is to provide time poor farmers in Pakistan with a viable and helpful tool to further their education. Other projects have tried to provide this service with limited success due to two major gaps: they lack two-way communication and do not incorporate their product into the work of the user. EduCulture fills these gaps. With its waterproof, portable design, EduCulture can be incorporated with ease into the daily routine of a farmer and provide information beneficial to them and their family. Time and literacy are two things preventing farmers in Pakistan from furthering their knowledge, but EduCulture requires neither of these as it capitalises on the pre-existing network of peers, and video and audio based education to spread vital, agricultural information.

Thorough research of current projects and academic education theories was used to establish the design requirements, which were then enhanced and adapted based on primary research involving Pakistani agricultural experts and farmers (the targeted users of the product system).

Industrial DesignCoursework

DEW GARDENJulian Arnold In a country like Australia which has such a dry climate, it is important that water be sourced and utilised wherever possible. There exists approximately 12,900 km³ of water within the atmosphere, and yet there is very little being done to try and harvest this abundance of water.

At the same time we are constantly battling the ever-growing obesity issue. Based on the current rate of increase, it is predicted that the prevalence of obesity in the population will increase from 20.5% to 33.9% by 2025. Given the fast paced lifestyle we now lead it is difficult to find a balance between eating healthily and eating what is convenient, and although one of the healthiest options would be to grow your own fruits and vegetables, time constraints mean it is often difficult to give plants the attention they need.

The Dew Garden seeks to address all of these issues. Made to condense dew from the atmosphere at night and feed the water directly to the plants, it allows the owner to reap the benefits of their own vegetable patch with much less maintenance. Furthermore it is designed to be as space efficient as possible, and can be mounted to the wall of a balcony making it perfect for use in an apartment setting, as is the growing trend.

Computer simulation showing product in a balcony setting.

Real life simulation of Dew Garden mounted to a wall.

23


THERMASEATLucas Hicks Through research it has been identified that children in rear facing child restraints often experience thermal discomfort due to insufficient air flow between the front and back seat.

The research that was conducted explored the environmental factors which contribute to a child’s wellbeing around the car and looked at using design as a way of improving the wellbeing of the child in the child restraint system both in the presence of their parents and also without parental presence. This included the use of investigating methods where sensors could be employed in order to develop features designed to improve the wellbeing of children while in the restraint and reduce instances of overheating while both parent and child are in the car. This was achieved with the integration of a smart air flow regulation system which measures the temperature to determine when it needs to be activated.

DEEP ETCHExploded view of Thermaseat: Showing low profile housing for smart air flow system.

Photo of the full scale working prototype.

25

Engineering – ElectricalCoursework

RF RELAYPatrick McDermott Michael Robertson The RF Relay is a rugged and portable device whose primary function is to bridge the gap between RF and IP based communications. The device is comprisesd of a number of relatively inexpensive hardware and software components, as well as components designed and constructed in-house, to be able to receive RF signals, digitizse them, and retransmit them over the cellular or satellite networks to a Cloud server. The information can then be stored or streamed in real-time to a user’s PC.

This is an important device as the existing networks of RF communication base stations (RFDS HF and the NSW GRN network) have areas where communication is not feasible due to lack of coverage.

There are a plethora of applications that the RF Relay may be able to fulfill, such as applications as required by Emergency Services. It may also be used for aircraft and animal tracking, particularly when used with a GPS rReceiver. Rural properties may be able to benefit from the device by utilising it with RF emitting sensors such as tank capacity and sensors to determine if a gate is closed or open, for instance.

The device may be charged via mMains AC or solar panels, and given the relatively small amount of hardware and software involved, it is easy to install and maintain. The software will be able to be accessedible remotely using via a GUI and the VPN server.

Block Diagram of RF Relay.

RF Relay complete solution. 27


AQUA SAFEMichael Rudd In a post-flood scenario there is a critical delay between the occurrence of the natural disaster and the arrival of relief efforts. Common practice involves the shipping of safe drinking water to the country in need and the establishment of refugee camps for survivors. Here, a self-perpetuating problem tends to arise: as these camps become overcrowded, infectious pathogens are rapidly spread due to the consumption of contaminated water, resulting in dehydration, diarrhoea and even death.

This project explored the requirements specific to water filtration in a third world context and sought to provide an effective yet affordable design solution. Through research and development, a manual reverse osmosis water filtration product was developed to respond to the consumption of contaminated water in a post-flood environment in rural Pakistan. The Aqua Safe was developed for under AUD $200, a significant saving when compared to products on the market where competitors are asking upwards of AUD $1500.

Aqua Safe utilises an inline pre-filter, one-way valve and a reverse osmosis membrane, all hand operated.

29

Information and Communications TechnologyCoursework

URUK 3000 B.C.Kai Connell Nikolas Patkovic Moneer HowariUruk is a joint research project between the University of Western Sydney and the Federation of American Scientists. The aim of the project is to recreate the ancient city of Uruk located in modern day Iraq. The game is set in the year 3000 B.C. in a Virtual World and lets history students experience what it looked like and how its citizens behaved.

The player takes on the role of a slave. The objective of the game is to buy your freedom. This is achieved by completing quests for the people of Uruk.

Oculus Rift is enabled to allow the students to have an immersive experience in the game.

The Oculus Rift headset, camera and PlayStation 3 controller are used to create a virtual reality experience.

31

Information and Communications TechnologyComputer ScienceCoursework

WALKWISE MOBILE APPLICATIONNikhil Singh Daniel Cavanagh Allwell Dagogo Antonio GlavocevicThe WalkWise Mobile Application is a phone app designed to promote exercise participation and increase safe practices when exercising. Increasing exercise participation and safe practices throughout the Penrith community will have many benefits, including decreasing crime, improving community awareness, improving individual’s health and reducing the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The WalkWise App provides a number of functions to assist individuals and groups to get together and exercise safely. It provides safe walking tracks, shows nearby public transport, displays safety tips, allows users to report graffiti/vandalism and allows users to add and search walking groups.


MODULIZEPeter GonidellisModulize aims to increase the available practical space within a small dwelling’s living area, while assisting in reducing the psychological stresses associated with living in a cramped space. Through the implementation of a loose coupling modular system, Modulize is able to serve as a highly multi-functional collection of furnishings. It functions in a passive state as wall storage, allowing the user to remove modules as needed and assemble them into various furnishings around the home. This provides the design with the ability to replace a variety of standard furnishings around the home, thus increasing practical floor space.

The modular design coupled with a variety of colour schemes enables the personalisation of the living area. Users are able to build a collection of Modulize units in varying colours and assemble them in a variety of configurations, providing them with a truly unique living space tailored specifically to themselves.

Industrial DesignCoursework

CORNERSAFEPrathik ParameshCornerSafe is a modular first aid kit which utilises unused space in the home. Users can join together modules of CornerSafe to create a personalised first aid kit that addresses their home’s personal needs.

The kit can be situated in a corner of the room, putting it out of everyday thoroughfare in the home but keeping it within quick reach in case of emergencies.

The challenge was to create a first aid kit that could be personal to the user and that they could customise to suit their needs. Most other domestic first aid kits revolve around the idea of a box or container that is stored away, and which the user might have trouble accessing in event of an emergency or trauma.

The triangle shape of CornerSafe allows it to be placed in corners so that it becomes part of the environment while also being easy to access in times of need.

The modularity function gives the user choices in where to place their first aid materials, as each module is colored with a specific injury in mind: red being burns, yellow being cuts and white being general. Size is also a choice as a larger module can fit larger items if required. The user can keep adding modules if needed, and with the kit being placed in a corner it does not take up valuable room space.

CORMACK INNOVATIONS AWARDS

BLITZEM SHAKERTimothy Lee (1st Place) Blitzem Shaker is an innovative packaging enclosure for the air-tight storage of snail and slug pellets. The new design provides an effective solution for dispensing pellets evenly at a controlled rate. This novel container, made from durable HDPE, reduces the possibility of snail poison contacting directly with skin. It also includes waterproof sealing and ergonomically shaped twist-top lid for easy application.

Design & TechnologyDesign Studio 4

CORMACK INNOVATIONS AWARDS

A CLEVER BIT OF CHEESEJohn Ballantine (2nd Place) A Clever Bit of Cheese is a brand new packaging enclosure for keeping Brie cheese fresh and tasty. The smart, two-part Polypropylene container design, opens and divides easily, yet reseals securely. With a novel approach, both halves of the container are made identical. Once opened, the cheese can be served and cut while still remaining in one half of the container.

Design & TechnologyDesign Studio 4

39

UWS Solar Car Project

For more information about the World Solar Challenge, please visit http://www.worldsolarchallenge.org

Utilising no more than six square meters of solar panels, some of the world’s

brightest young minds developing the most efficient electric vehicles possible.

And every two years, teams from leading international universities and

technical institutes, together with private entrepreneurs, come together for the World

Solar Challenge to race and promote the ultimate synergy of nature, motion and

innovation by driving their solar cars from Darwin to Adelaide, a total of 3000km.

In 2013, UWS was the youngest Australian team, and the only NSW entry

in the prestigious Challenger Class, which attracts visually stunning, slick single-

seat aerodynamic masterpieces built for sustained endurance and total energy

efficiency. The UWS team placed 11th in the Challenger Class.

For more information about sponsorship and donations, please visit https://give.uws.edu.au and choose “UWS Solar Car Project” or contact Anuj Verma on 0426 293 324

The team relied heavily on corporate financial and in-kind support for the design, construction and operation of the car and support vehicles, and is gearing up to do so again for the race which commences in October 2015. This support will enable us to achieve a greatly improved design that is 100kg lighter and 20% more aerodynamically efficient than our 2013 vehicle.

Sponsorship ranges from Bronze level, which includes branding on the car, website and trailers, up to Platinum level sponsorship, which includes full access to the team, campus life events, engagement events, prime locations for all branding media, and naming rights to the vehicle.

MARCS InstituteThe Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience (BENS) research program in The MARCS Institute combines expertise in Electrical Engineering and Medicine to create new medical devices and engineering solutions and to study neural computation.

We are currently developing several electronic devices for medical purposes. Some of these devices measure intrinsic body properties such as blood flow and respiration, such as the Pneumocardiogram device demonstrated here. This inexpensive, wearable solution monitors both cardiac and respiration volume in a non-intrusive manner, and would be of great benefit to clinicians and researchers alike.

Other devices we are developing actively interact with the user with the aim of improving human functions such as balance and sensory perception.

We also create computational and electronic models of neural signal processing in biology, such as the electronic ear (cochlea) demonstrated here. It implements a mathematical model of the human cochlea in hardware.

Here we show the response of the basilar membrane in the cochlea, which vibrates in response to sound. Its properties are such that different parts vibrate for different frequencies of the input sound. The implementation of this electronic cochlea may be used as a front-end sound analyser for various machine-hearing applications.

Electronic Cochlea

Model of a human cochlea running in real time. The electronic cochlea is useful as a front-end for machine hearing applications, such as robots that can hear like humans.

Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience

The Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience (BENS) research program in The MARCS Institute combines expertise in Electrical Engineering and Medicine

Pneumocardiogram

The Pneumocardiogram is an inexpensive, wearable device that monitors both cardiac and respiration volume in a non-intrusive manner, and would be of great benefit to clinicians and researchers alike.

43

Widevision+ 2014School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics Honours and Graduate Exhibition

uws widevision 2014

Documents

engineering design

technology design

design computing

design studios

fusion of industrial

mechatronics engineering

infrastructure engineering

school plan